Career Planning Guides
Embark on a journey into Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH) even if you don't have a bachelor's degree in the field. Explore diverse entry points, such as taking individual courses or pursing a Master's degree.
Finding Employment:
If you do not have a bachelor’s degree in Environmental and Occupational Health (EOH), then there are a variety of ways to step into the field. One of the following approaches may be appropriate for you:
Take a single course.
Our general education courses such as EOH 101 and EOH 353 provide opportunities for students to learn more about the topics of environmental and occupational health. The courses include coverage of issues such as air quality, food safety, bioterrorism, infectious diseases, indoor air quality, noise, risk assessment, water quality, and workplace hazards.
Other courses for consideration.
Students with a significant science background might consider a course in environmental health, (EOH 356A), occupational health (EOH 466A), or environmental and occupational health policy, law and administration (EOH 352).
Take a small series of courses in the major.
Students can minor in EOH by completing basic science courses and designated courses within the EOH major. Biology and environmental chemistry majors can complete the minor over two or three semesters. Additionally, students completing the minor qualify to sit for the California Registered Environmental Health Specialist exam.
Consider earning a Master's Degree in the Major.
If your current academic standing does not support additional coursework in the bachelors program, then a master’s degree in EOH will provide a deeper understanding of EOH concepts and an opportunity to network with students that are already in the field. The master’s program is small enough to provide individual attention and large enough to be recognized by employers in the southern California region.
If comprehensive examinations are chosen, the student must enroll in EOH 697 during his or her final semester. A multiple-choice exam will evaluate fundamental knowledge in Environmental Health; Occupational Health; Toxicology; Epidemiology; and Environmental Policy and Administration. Additional essay exam or exams are also required. For students choosing the Industrial Hygiene option for their degree, an additional exam covering Industrial Hygiene Evaluation and Control is required. If a passing score is not achieved, any exam may be retaken only once.
Where Do Our Graduates Work?
Lots of programs make lofty promises, but a practical way to check those promises is to look at where their graduates work!
Our graduates find employment in a variety of places. These include, but are not limited to, city, county, state, and federal agencies, private industries such as aerospace, manufacturing, computer, and automotive, a wide range of environmental consulting services, and environmental health and safety departments.
Salaries vary widely. Starting salaries for BS - EOH average above $35,000, and those with an MS make more. More formal salary surveys indicate that professionals in this field can achieve salaries above $100,000, depending on the professional certification they receive and job responsibilities.
There is a significant need for environmental health professionals in government service. In part, this increased need is in response to bioterrorism defense. Visit this link for information relating to the need for environmental health professionals. A recent graduate of our program wrote this document, discussing some more career options.